Leadership: Fathers & Mothers

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:1-4 (ESV)

Am I incorrect and insensitive to suggest that hyper-drive moms and dads slow down and stand up as family leaders? I believe you’re trying SOO hard, and that…

  • You don’t have time to get everything done.

  • Your kids have needs, friends, hobbies, and homework.

  • You’re their cook, coach, cleaner, driver, shopper,

  • Task-master, defender, encourager,

  • Organizer, disciplinarian,

  • And they’re not exactly appreciative…

  • Not counting YOUR work and bills to be paid,

  • Not counting other family and friends,

  • Not counting your own hopes, needs, and hobbies…

  • Or the endless to-dos that cloud your brain.

Looking back, when I was a driven mom, my own priorities weren’t in order. My job (AMTC-Shine) ruled my time– and everything else shrunk in its shadow.

I believed in God, but hadn’t met Christ. I wasn’t humble enough to seek Him, or wise enough to open a Bible:(

THANKFULLY, desperate circumstances brought me to my knees, and I met Jesus… but at that point, my girls were young adults.

More praise! They did turn to Christ in due time, and they, themselves, became parent-leaders.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

If you’re a parent, I pray for your strength to be God’s anointed parent leaders! I pray for Him to give you discernment about what to delegate, drop, or share… to help you to prioritize wisely, 

Because kids unattended can grow bossy. That’s not their job. It will harm them and you!

Leadership: Fathers & Mothers (Part 30)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God–  to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.

WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban